Whether you’re a regular marathon runner or just fancy going for a jog in the park to get some fresh air during the current lockdown, the right pair of running shoes can really make a difference. They'll help to correct your form, prevent the risk of injury, and, most importantly, they'll keep you feeling comfy and supported.
However, many of us tend to think about style over substance - that's why you might need some expert advice on how to pick out the best trainers for your exercise needs. We've put together a buying guide and a list of our favourites to buy at Amazon, eBay, and John Lewis, from big brands like Nike, Asics, New Balance, and Adidas. Whether you're after a lightweight pair of kicks or something durable and water-resistant, let us lead you down the right track!
Quick List - Top Running Shoes for Men
Asics
Gel Cushioning and Super-Soft Fabric Will Make Running a Breeze
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Table of Contents
Let's run through what to look out for when buying a new pair of running shoes. You'll need to consider the type of terrain you prefer to run on, which materials will suit your needs, and the type of arch and pronation that your feet have.
So, what's your favourite type of terrain to run on? There are 2 main choices: road/track or trail. Shoes are usually designed with one of these terrains in mind, so wearing the wrong ones could leave you lugging around extra weight or being more prone to injury.
Running shoes for the road are usually made of lighter materials that encourage responsiveness and speed, whereas those designed for the trail are generally heavier and are crafted to support and protect your feet on rough terrain. Trail running shoes also tend to use a lower heel-to-toe drop (HTT), which offers a more tactile feel when running on rockier surfaces. Don't worry, we'll explain more about this in the next section!
As we mentioned, you’ll want to take into account the HTT drop (also known as the heel-toe offset, heel-toe differential, or heel-toe lift). This basically means the difference in the amount of material in the section below your heel and the part under your toes.
Most running shoes have a HTT of around 10-12mm, so naturally we're more used to this option than lower ones. But some people prefer a HTT that's lower than 10mm, which makes the shoes flatter. Although this option may take a little getting used to, it does provide a much more tactile running experience!
Next, let's cover how to decide on the right materials for both the soles and upper parts of your running shoes. This is especially important to think about if you like to go jogging in all kinds of weather!
Rubber or gum rubber are the most popular choices for soles - these materials are long-lasting, waterproof, slip-resistant, and breathable. However, rubber can be a bit heavy on your feet so perhaps isn't ideal for long-distance running.
Another option is a synthetic material, which is much more lightweight than rubber - it's great for running indoors on a treadmill. If you're jogging outdoors though, you should be aware that this type of material isn't very water-resistant and may make you more prone to slipping!
Uppers made from natural fabrics are breathable and extremely flexible, so they’ll move with your feet and will feel comfy too. The downside is that they’re not waterproof and could leave you with soggy socks if you get caught in the rain!
Synthetic materials, on the other hand, are much better at repelling water. They’re not waterproof, but should be fine for jogging in light to moderate rain. Lightweight and non-absorbent, they won't retain any of the sweat that you produce whilst racking up those miles!
Lastly, you'll need shoes that suit both the arch and pronation of your feet, in order to ensure a supportive fit and avoid injuries. In this section, we'll run through the different kinds of arch and pronation, as well as which kind of shoes work best for each type.
The arch of your feet will be either low, medium, or high - you can check which type you have by visiting a shoe shop for an examination or by looking at charts online. You can also work out your pronation, meaning the natural way that your foot lands before propelling you forward, at home with an old pair of shoes.
To do this, check which part of your shoes is the most worn out. If it's the centre part below the ball of your foot, you have basic pronation. If your shoe is worn out the most on the inside of the ball of your foot then you have overpronation, or if it's on the outside of the ball of your foot then you have supination.
Once you've established which kind of arch and pronation you have, you can then choose the right fit of running shoe. There are two main categories, stabilising and neutral, which are each designed for specific foot types.
If you have a low arch or overpronation, then stabilising shoes will be the best option. This type of running shoe has extra support, plenty of cushioning, and a slightly arched design that's intended to provide flexibility and stability.
Those with a medium or high arch, basic pronation, or supination should choose neutral shoes instead. These have foam or cushioning inside too, but only a small amount - too many materials can actually cause shock to these foot types when running, so you should avoid excessive cushioning.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Asics Gel-Kayano 26 Lite Show - Black | ![]() | Gel Cushioning and Super-Soft Fabric Will Make Running a Breeze | |
2 | New Balance Gobi V3 - Black Phantom | ![]() | Neutral-Toned and Incredibly Versatile | |
3 | Brooks Adrenaline GTS 17 | ![]() | Designed for Feet With Overpronation | |
4 | Inov-8 Mudclaw G-Grip 260 | ![]() | For Those Looking to Do Some Seriously Muddy Running | |
5 | Brooks Ghost 11 - Black Blue Nightlife | ![]() | Designed to Work in All Kinds of Weather | |
6 | SALOMON Sonic Competition | ![]() | A Firm, Breathable Shoe for Those Who Like to Feel the Ground Below | |
7 | Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo 2 | ![]() | The Latest Colourful Offering From a Major Sports Brand |
Asics have been around for over two decades and they're still producing amazing running shoes! These trainers are comfy and accommodating, with the synthetic mesh uppers moulding around your feet rather than constricting them. We also love the silky fabric on the heel cushion, which should help to avoid any painful rubbing.
If you're prone to overpronation then these shoes provide support and will balance out your stride. Best of all, Asics have incorporated two different styles of their signature gel cushioning, meaning you'll feel like you're just bouncing along the floor. For all of these reasons, these trainers take our number 1 spot!
If you're looking for comfort and versatility, then these shoes by New Balance are a fantastic choice. Let's be honest, running can become monotonous - particularly if you're running the same route every day. With these bad boys, you'll be able to mix it up and run along both the trail and the road whenever you want!
Considering their sturdiness, at under 300g these trainers are also pretty lightweight. Their neutral colour palette also makes a nice change from the usual bright fluorescent designs of most trainers.
If you're someone with medium to high arches and overpronation, these running shoes by Brooks will be perfect. Their sole contains a guided "rollbar" which helps shift you back towards a more natural running style and will help you avoid any injuries in the long run - pun not intended!
With a soft, plush interior, these shoes are just generally very comfortable! Plus, they have adjustable eyelets near the laces that alter the heel if it's not sitting just right - such a handy feature that can really help with keeping your feet in the right position!
If you're planning to head out to a seriously muddy trail or track on the regular, then these Mudclaw trainers are ideal. They have an insanely grippy sole with 8mm lugs (the teeth-like part of the sole) and are built like football boots - with grip, durability, and speed in mind.
Of course, there's not much point in having these shoes unless you're frequently out and about in muddy areas. It's also worth noting that they have very little cushioning, so be wary of protruding rocks or other sharp objects on your running path!
If a brand has successfully produced 10 previous versions of a shoe, then you know they're doing something right! While there are some differences between the Ghost 11 and its predecessors, the core design remains the same. Made from a brilliantly breathable fabric upper, with a solid gum rubber sole, these neutral trainers will keep their grip even in the worst weather conditions.
Unfortunately, these shoes don't have much cushioning, creating a more rigid running experience. They're also rather narrow, so not great for those with wider feet!
Salomon continues to show they're equally adept at providing running shoes for roads as well as trails. This is a high-performing and long-lasting running shoe with breathable upper synthetic materials that'll keep your feet free from sweat.
Furthermore, these shoes have two types of cushioning - one for shock absorption and one for propulsion. Yet, somewhat surprisingly, this shoe isn't as plush as it should be and the low HTT means you can feel the firm road beneath your feet. Some people may love this feeling, but it's not for everyone!
First up on our list is the Pegasus Turbo 2 Trail from the ever-popular sports brand Nike. We absolutely love the colourway - it's striking yet stylish. If it's not for you, there are 7 other colour options available, from more neutral shades to fluorescent ones that'll be perfect for night-time runners.
There's one main downside though - the HTT is a little lower than what most people are used to, so it may take time to adjust to this new set up. Also, we know the advertising shows smoke flying from the back of the trainers but don't set your expectations too high - these shoes still adhere to the laws of physics!
Now that you've got your shoes sorted, what else do you need for your run? Check out some of our other fitness-related product reviews for some inspiration. You'll be marathon-ready in no time!
So there you have it - our comprehensive guide to the best running shoes for men. Whether you're an experienced marathon runner or an exercise newbie looking to get started, we hope you've found our hand-picked recommendations useful. We'll see you at the starting line!
Author: Lewis Clark
No. 1: Asics|Gel-Kayano 26 Lite Show - Black
No. 2: New Balance|Gobi V3 - Black Phantom
No. 3: Brooks|Adrenaline GTS 17
No. 4: Inov-8|Mudclaw G-Grip 260
No. 5: Brooks|Ghost 11 - Black Blue Nightlife
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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